I guess the combination of nine months off the boat, three anesthesia’s, and the winter freeze was more impactful than expected. We knew that the marina staff was unable to get the engine started when they launched Stealaway. So, when we arrived Sunday night, we expected to spend a couple of days making repairs. Opening up the boat I could not find the hatch screen. Bev was at the same time searching for the companionway screen. After several minutes she looked at me and asked, didn’t you take the screens home to repair them? Then came the realization that yes, I did. However, not only did I forget to bring them back, I also forgot to repair them. Wow, senior moment at its finest.
Monday began our first day of repairs and preparations for our 4 to 5-month adventure. First, we got power to the boat to charge batteries. Once the batteries were charged the engine still would not even turn over. Further investigation proved that the starter was indeed burnt up. Kim at the marina is very resourceful and located a replacement for our “obsolete” starter. After driving 60 miles north to retrieve the replacement we discovered that the mounting was different. Then it was a 20-mile trip south to secure new bolts so that we could mount the starter. Note to self, keep repeating “old boats are fun”.
Now on to the primary reason for not starting. The stop valve on the motor wasn’t fully closed and would not allow fuel into the engine. We adjusted the stop cable, changed fuel filters and engine oil. Success, engine is running well for five minutes, then over temp alarm goes off. Oh yea, the marina winterized the engine and drained all the coolant. Senior moment number two. Replaced coolant and all is well.
Next up was provisioning with food, water and other needed supplies. So today, Friday, we first hit the laundromat then finally returned the rental car. We are boat-bound once again. Tomorrow morning, we will take on fuel and begin our trek west to the Oswego Canal. Once there we will spend a few days on the canal before crossing Lake Ontario and entering Canada. Since the spring has been so rainy, combined with the spring thaw runoff, Lake Ontario is five feet above normal water level and many marinas are closed. Those that are open have limited power and services. All part of the adventure.